Notre Dame Catholic School Annual Report - Page 4

Academic Review

4

Duke Scholars

TheDuke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically gifted and talented students. Now in its 35th year, the 7th grade talent search identifies bright seventh graders based upon their standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school. Candidates are invited to take the ACT or the SAT college entrance exams as seventh graders, allowing them greater insight into their academic abilities.

Eligibility for the TIP program is for the students in the 7th grade who have scored in the 95th percentile or higher on an accepted standardized achievement test, aptitude test, mental ability test, state certification test, or have a standard score at or above 125 on an IQ test. This year’s students who qualified areJude Gorley, Allison Pitts, Eric Ruiz, Jakob Schacter, and Jare Trivette.

Concurrent Enrollment Continues at NDCS

Notre Dame Catholic School partners with both Midwestern State University and Vernon College to provide a Concurrent/Dual Enrollment Program. The MSU ACCESS scholarship is available for students who have completed the 10th grade up to graduation. Students qualify for these programs at MSU and VC by test scores, a GPA of ‘B’ and above in all high school classes, and contract. Approximately one-third of NDCS upperclassmen take advantage of this program. NDCS students enjoy the classes on the respective campuses or can participate in the online college courses that are offered. The MSU and VC transcripts are active upon graduation and may be transferred to any college or university or may be continued at those schools.

Individual Achievements in Excellence

There were a number of notable individual achievements by Notre Dame Catholic School students during the past year. Frannie Trivette achieved ‘Commended’ status in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Elizabeth Koch won the TAPPS State Art History contest. Finally, among the universities to which Notre Dame graduates will be matriculating, Alex Parkey will be attending the University of Dallas, Mary Margaret Herring will be attending Trinity University in San Antonio, and Frannie Trivette will be attending the United State Military Academy at West Point.